Artist impressions detailing an extensive overhaul of Forestway Shopping Centre have been released. The $34 million redevelopment will double the supermarket space—including making room for a Harris Farm—replace the multi-storey parking structure with underground parking, and add a new swim school.
The project faces potential hurdles, however, as both Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and Northern Beaches Council have identified traffic concerns that must be addressed before completion.
The shopping centre, which originally opened in 1966, was purchased by REVELOP in 2021 for $100 million, with expansion plans in the works from the outset.
REVELOP are also the new owners of Balgowlah Village Shopping Centre, formerly known as Stockland Balgowlah.
The previous owner, Invesco, had their development application refused by the Sydney North Planning Panel (SNPP) in 2021 because of potential traffic impacts and building height and front setbacks. They then sold the shopping centre to REVELOP who submitted a development application in December 2023 and is facing similar issues due to traffic impacts on Forest Way and Grace Avenue, which remain unresolved.
“Our vision for Forestway Shopping Centre has always been to create a modern, convenient and community-focused destination,” Mr Charbel Hazzouri, co-founder and managing director of REVELOP told Manly Observer.
“With the completion of Stage 1, we’ve delivered a full internal upgrade, introduced new amenities including a new parents’ room, welcomed a variety of new retailers with contemporary fitouts, and opened a vibrant lifestyle and fitness precinct on the upper level.
“We’re now looking ahead to Stage 2, which will see a complete transformation of the Centre’s exterior, including new facades and entry statements. We will also be removing the existing multi-level car park and replacing it with at-grade and basement parking, offering improved convenience and direct travellator access into the Centre. This next phase will also introduce a third supermarket and a dedicated alfresco and outdoor dining precinct, enhancing the overall customer experience.”
Mr Hazzouri hopes construction will commence in the next six months (pending Council approval) and he expects the development to be completed 18 to 24 months after breaking ground.
The most notable difference will be an additional almost 5,000m2 of retail space, which will include a Harris Farm, swim school and increasing the size of the gym. As Mr Hazzouri mentioned, the current multi-storey carpark along Forest Way Road will be demolished in favour of a ground level car park with two basement levels underneath providing a total of 585 spaces (50 additional spaces compared to the current arrangement). This is in addition to the 80 car parking spaces provided in the Council car park at Sorlie Place.
“We’re also actively exploring further opportunities for future expansion to ensure Forestway continues to meet the needs of our growing community,” Mr Hazzouri added.
“We’re also actively exploring further opportunities for future expansion to ensure Forestway continues to meet the needs of our growing community”
Getting shoppers out of the car park is where things seem to come to a stop, however.
REVELOP was required to amend the original plans due to stormwater drainage and traffic concerns. Although REVELOP fixed the stormwater drainage issues, problems remain with traffic concerns. Namely, shoppers leaving the centre.
Northern Beaches Council and TfNSW have flagged the effect shoppers leaving the centre, by car, will have on surrounding roads and traffic.
Forest Way Road is a State Road and comes under Transport for NSW.
Transport does not support plans for those exiting the carparks to turn right via a proposed traffic light intersection. However, if shoppers are unable to turn right (going south) into Forest Way during peak hour they will be forced to turn left. Northern Beaches Council says this could have negative impacts on local roads.
Other traffic concerns raised by Council include the proposed internal circulation within the carpark, lack of adequate planning around access for semi-trailers to the site, lane width issues on Forest Way and lack of space for a shared path along Forest Way behind the bus bay.
“The Forest Way Shopping Centre redevelopment has been progressing through the approval process, but a key challenge remains regarding traffic flow,” Mr Hazzouri admitted.
“While Transport for NSW has supported the proposal with the condition that no right turn is allowed out of the site onto Forest Way, the Council has raised concerns that this restriction will put additional pressure on local roads.
“Our traffic engineers have provided analysis addressing these concerns, but Council has yet to adjust its stance. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to find a balanced solution that ensures smooth traffic movement while meeting planning requirements.”
Forestway Shopping Centre has been identified as one of the Northern Beaches’ town centres (you can read more about that here).
